I have been teaching grades 7 and 8 Language Arts and Social Studies at De Anza Academy of Technology & the Arts in Ventura, California since 2001. I have also briefly taught high school ESL (grades 9-12), and I spent one month teaching English in Moscow, Russia.
My class mission statement is: To build a community of students who embrace the process of learning…who are eager to learn, enjoy the act of learning, and feel success for what they have learned. I try to make learning fun through cooperative group work, hands-on projects, and creative writing.
On September 7, 2011, I received the honor of "Teacher of the Month" (nominated by my principal through the Ventura Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation). I was given certificates from the senator, house of representatives, and county representatives along with several generous gifts from community organizations. I have also been serving as the department chair and English Language Arts District Liaison since 2003. I have also served as a Mentor to first and second year teachers. I have also had the responsibility as Technology Peer Coach and GATE Liaison.
I graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California with a BA in English and Art supplementary authorization. I received my teaching credential there as well.
I love my students, I love teaching, and my goal is to make learning fun for all!
3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Staff
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Writing-Expository, Reading, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, Specialty, Science, Basic Principles, Environment, Social Studies, Ancient History, Civics, Government, Native Americans, U.S. History, European History, World History, Middle Ages, Arts & Music, Other (Art), Drama, Career and Technical Education, Health, Other (Specialty), ELA Test Prep, British History, Geography, Other (ELA), Life Skills, Religion, Critical Thinking, For All Subjects, Literature, Classroom Management, Economics , Character Education, Instructional Technology, General Science, Problem Solving, Short Stories, Writing, Asian Studies, Oral Communication, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Poetry, Halloween, Tools for Common Core, For All Subjects, Informational Text, Test Preparation